The story of KH Zainul Arifin who was shot while praying with Bung Karno

JAKARTA – KH Zainul Arifin is one of the important figures in Indonesian independence, especially considering his protective services President Soekarno from attempted murder during Eid al-Adha prayers.

Zainul Arifin Pohan was one of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) figures in the era of Indonesian independence. He is famous for his debating and oratory skills. He even succeeded in holding the position of NU Branch Chair in just a few years after joining.

Zainul Arifin also took part in the management of the Indonesian Muslim Syuro Council (Masyumi) and was involved in the formation of the semi-military force Hezbollah, and was appointed commander in chief when Japan allowed the formation of semi-military troops.

After the Dutch recognized the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia at the end of 1949, Zainul Arifin returned to parliament as a representative of the Masyumi Party in the DPRS. In 1953, he was entrusted with the position of deputy prime minister (waperdam) in Ali Sastroamijoyo I’s Cabinet until 1955.

The story of KH Zainul Arifin who was shot

When Indonesia entered the era of Guided Democracy, Zainul Arifin was appointed to be Chairman of the Mutual Cooperation People’s Representative Council (DPR GR) as an effort by the NU Party to stem the power of the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) in Parliament. In the early days of Guided Democracy in Indonesia, there were several attempts to assassinate President Soekarno with the increasing political temperature at that time.

On May 14 1962, precisely when the Eid al-Adha prayers were held, KH Zainul Arifin deliberately positioned himself to the left of Bung Karno in order to anticipate everything. Meanwhile, to Soekarno’s right was General Abdul Haris Nasution. While he was solemnly performing the sunnah prayers of Eid al-Adha, he heard the sound of a gunshot.

This murder attempt was carried out during the second rak’ah by firing a gun several times from a distance of approximately 5-6 meters.

At that time the people, including the priest who led the prayers, KH Idham Chalid, immediately fell down. The atmosphere immediately became chaotic when KH Zainul Arifin fell down.

Zainul’s left shoulder was soaked in blood, and his tie knot was even cut off by a bullet. Among the chaos, Zainul said ‘I’ve got it’.

Bung Karno managed to survive, then KH Zainul Arifin Pohan was rushed to hospital. After that, he became ill and died 10 months later.

That is the heroic story of KH Zainul Arifin who protected Bung Karno during congregational prayers. Without him, perhaps history would only know Soekarno as the president who died during Eid al-Adha prayers.

(abd)